Session Topics
Lauren Springer (Keynote)
Design Inspiration from Natural Plant Communities-Prairie, Desert, and Chaparral
In an ever more unnatural world, many of us find reconnection in our gardens, enjoying the plants and how the oases we’ve made with them attract and support creatures. Many of us are also drawn to natural places, inspired by their rich diversity of plants, land forms, and animals. In this talk, Lauren distills the beauty and unique characteristics of three important natural plant communities—desert, prairie/meadow, chaparral/brush steppe--to inspire design ideas for garden spaces, and also recommends plants and discusses some practicalities for creating and managing such plantings.
Morgan Hopkins-Crawley
Water Your Plans? Irrigation for Water-wise Landscapes
A water‑wise landscape starts with a smart irrigation design that works with your yard instead of against it. The goal isn’t to water more—it’s to water better. By giving plants only what they need, when they need it, homeowners can save water, lower utility bills, and keep their landscapes healthy with less effort. Join Morgan as she dives into the key principles of efficient irrigation, including hydrozones, irrigation methods and equipment, scheduling and resources, with the goal of keeping your water-wise landscape alive and thriving!
Kenton Seth
“Planting for the Apocalypse”
Whether you are sure the world is crashing down around us, or everything will be fine (or somewhere in the middle) : planting design that prioritizes resiliency and uses both cutting-edge and ancient techniques can be a powerful water and energy-saving tool for homes, businesses, and institutions. We’ll learn how to create landscapes that can sustain themselves entirely without long-term irrigation, as well as learn from gardens that do so, as well as see where this approach is and is not appropriate.
Lance Ackerman
Learn how to Irrigation Improvements for Native Grass Projects
Landscape transformation is taking hold in Colorado but before we change our landscapes it is best practice to address irrigation system efficiency first. Irrigation systems that are operating at peak efficiency are still critical for irrigated native grasses or low water landscapes. Learn what steps to take and resources available to address irrigation efficiency in your landscape before you take on a landscape change.
Carla Anderson, PLA, ASLA
“En Plein Aire”: Designing Outdoor Living Spaces
Attention to broad concepts as well as small details are essential to designing outdoor living spaces that fit the individual requirements of both the space and the users. Although there is no specific formula, there is a basic process of analysis which offers both a template for overall design, and insight into details that will enhance and make each space unique. This presentation offers a starting point for homeowners to create their own “Eden”.